Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1887-04-30
CHANGE M RATES.
AN OPINION EXPRESSED THAT GREAT LOSS
Is DUB TO THEN.
RsDors From Business Centsrs Attribute ALI the
Trouble TO the New L&w-NOtwrthStanding
TINS Fact the General StaIe Of
Trade is Favorable

New YORK, April Or G. Dun q
Co. 3 weekly review of trade says: The
Interstate bill is doubtless charged with
much interruption of business that does
not belong to it; but during the past week
evidences have multiplied of its harmful
effect. By convincing proof that Boston's
export trade would be destroyed, if Gus
tomary rebates and favoring rates were re-
fused, the Commission was led tC
virtually suspend the operation oI
the second section for the benefit
of Boston roads. Pacific railroads obtained
exemptions and reduced their rates, en-
cept the Union Pacific, which was by er,
ror omitted. In the session at Atlanta,
the Commission was informed of many
projected enterprises, contracts for which
had been suspended until the question oi
rates could be settled. A contract for so,
900 tons of paving at Marlboro, N. h.,
was refused, rates being advanced three
times as much as the expected profit.
Vast quantities of freight accumulate
at mauy points awiting results
of appeals to the Commission. Louisville
merchants complain as to injury in some
trades; New Orleans expected improve
ment, but realizes none and finds busi-
ness upset; Cleveland feels the injury in
the important branches; Hartford manu-
facturers find that the act threatens to ex-
clude them from many markets; PittSburg
and Philadelphia attribute to the act the
dullness, and the iron market manu-
facturers hold that they have already sus-
tained large aggregate loss. Thus, while
a reaction after the exceptional activity OF
March was predicted, real and considera-
bic disturbance certainly results from the
new law, and especially from the uncer-
tainty rs to its requirements.
GENERAL REPORTS OF TRADE
are nevertheless favorable, and it is cheer
ing to note how hopeful an opinion Is
everywhere expressed. Money is generally
in good supply, though in demand at
Nashville, and tighter at New Orleans
Collections continue fair, with improve
ment at Milwaukee, and at Cincinnati eX-
cept in trades affected by strikes in build
ing and manufacturing; very good at Nash
vile except in the tobacco trade, and less
delayed than might be expected where
real estate speculation RACES. At many
points the unreasonable weather embar-
raSSeS.
The condition of leading branches of
business is apparently improving. A
brighter sky is seen in the boot and shoe
trade with increasing orders. A better
demand is seen for some kinds of leather,
and prices for the new clip of wool at the
West are higher than was expected,
though in Eastern markets there is no
change. Cotton has been slightly
advanced by manipulation; cot
in moderate request, and print cloths a
shade lower, but the effect of exceptional
purchases IN March has not yet passed.
Wheat rose during the week, and reacted
again; the battle between Western farmers
who think higher rail rates should be borne
by consumers, and the worlds markets,
which refuse to advance, does not go in
favor of the farmers thus far.
Coffee has been ieverish. OF all the
great industries, the iron manufacture is
most unsettled, because of the Interstate
changes may check railroad building while
the projected increase in the production of
iron is heavy.
The business failures occurring through
out the country during the last seven days,
number for the United states 16i, and for
Canada 81, total, 19l against 1919 last
week, and 2O7 for corresponding week last
vaar